PAF commissions another C-130 plane from US

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2024): PAF commissions another C-130 plane from US (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ADDITIONAL ASSET. Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel pose for a photo with the newly blessed C-130H aircraft at the Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Thursday (May 23, 2024). The PAF on Friday (May 24) said the aircraft is one of the two C-130H transport acquired from the United States under the Excess Defense Article Program in 2016. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday announced it has commissioned into service another Lockheed C-130H "Hercules" transport aircraft.

The aircraft with tail number 5157 was commissioned during rites at the Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Thursday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a news release.

Castillo said the aircraft is one of the two C-130H transport acquired from the United States under the Excess Defense Article (EDA) Program in 2016.

"This aircraft arrived last February 16, 2024," she added.

Meanwhile, the first C-130H aircraft was delivered on Jan. 29, 2021.

"With the delivery of this transport aircraft, the PAF now has five C-130 aircraft in its inventory that can be used for humanitarian, tactical, and strategic missions," Castillo said.

She added these heavy airlifters are significant in delivering relief goods and essential supplies, transporting troops and equipment, and lending support to communities in different areas around the country and even overseas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225490